Alyse Martin Makes History First University Representative State Higher Education Advisory Committee
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Posted By: HBCU CONNECT on October 12, 2026 Check out this video from Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia! For Virginia Union University junior Alyse Martin, finding her voice has meant more than discovering a sense of belonging. It has become an opportunity to advocate for students and help shape conversations about the future of higher education in Virginia. A Richmond native and elementary education major in Virginia Union University’s Evelyn Reid Syphax School of Education, Martin is the first VUU student to serve on the Student Advisory Committee for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV), where she advocates for issues affecting college students, including affordability and housing. Martin transferred to Virginia Union after her sophomore year in search of personal growth, community and a stronger sense of purpose. What she discovered was a campus where she could find her footing, strengthen her faith and use her voice to support others. “I came here after my sophomore year, and I had just been praying to God about my next move. What should I do? I wanted growth. I wanted to feel like I could belong somewhere and have my footing to be able to do my dream and to be able to follow in God’s path,” Martin said. In addition to her statewide leadership role, Martin serves as the 2026–27 director of communications for VUU’s Student Government Association. In that position, she helps keep students informed about campus activities and opportunities to advocate for themselves and their communities. Her appointment to the SCHEV Student Advisory Committee allows her to connect with student representatives from colleges and universities across Virginia, bringing the perspectives and experiences of VUU students into broader discussions about higher education. Although initially intimidated by the responsibility of being the University's first representative, Martin views the opportunity as a meaningful step in her leadership journey. “It did feel a little intimidating being in a room, especially being the first. It kind of puts a bit of pressure because you want to do great things,” Martin said. For Martin, the opportunity is ultimately about helping students grow and ensuring their concerns are heard. Finding Her Voice Through Advocacy Martin traces her passion for advocacy to her father, who encouraged her to speak up for others during the racial justice demonstrations following the death of George Floyd in 2020. “My father taught me the importance of advocacy when George Floyd passed away, when the Black Lives Matter movement was a big thing. During COVID, we would go out and protest and make signs,” she recalled. Those experiences helped shape her understanding of leadership and the responsibility that comes with having a platform. “I believe that as a young person, some people don’t know how to use their voices. Seeing someone else use their voice can help motivate. Even if that person doesn’t know how to use it, someone else can be that voice for them,” Martin said. That commitment to service continues to guide her work at VUU, where she encourages students to remain engaged, informed and confident in their ability to create change. A Community Rooted in Faith and Connection Beyond her leadership responsibilities, Martin credits Virginia Union’s close-knit campus community and faith-centered environment with helping her grow personally and academically. A member of First African Baptist Church, Martin draws inspiration from her favorite Bible verse, 1 Timothy 4:12, which encourages young people to lead by example through their words, actions, love, faith and purity. She also credits her professors with challenging her academically and encouraging her to think beyond the classroom. Among them is Dr. John Guns, whom Martin identifies as her logic and science methods professor. She says his instruction has strengthened her critical-thinking skills and expanded her perspective. For Martin, however, some of the most meaningful experiences at Virginia Union come from the relationships she has developed with fellow students. “There’s a different connection with knowing and seeing the same people every day,” Martin said. “I see some of my favorite people every day. And so it’s really that connection and the God-given foundation of Virginia Union that just makes it so special.” She is especially grateful for what she describes as her “God-given friends,” including Student Government Association President Ivi Armstrong-Edlow, Mister VUU James Johnson III, Ms. VUU Kanek Booker and Rio Thompson Jr. These friendships, along with the support of faculty and the broader campus community, have helped Martin build the confidence to pursue opportunities she once found intimidating. If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
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From Gahanna, OH Central State University class of 1995 Member Since June 1999 |
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